Root Canals in Clayton, NC
Do you get butterflies when someone says the words “root canal?”
At Clayton Smiles, we know that root canals have a terrible reputation, which is a shame because it often prevents patients from seeking much-needed treatment. The fact is that all the hype is just that—hype. Modern root canals are simple and straightforward procedures that don’t cause pain but relieve it.
The source of root canal pain is an infection or abscess in your tooth, and Dr. Adam Spriggs and Dr. Kate Dolin know how painful a root infection can be. Their priority is to eliminate your pain by providing prompt root canal treatment and remove the infection that’s causing it.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
Our goal is to provide a straightforward, stress-free procedure so that you can get the tooth-saving treatment you need and get on with your life. Dr. Kate and Dr. Adam are very gentle, experienced dentists who have performed many successful root canals for our Clayton patients using modern technology.
If you think you could use a little extra relaxation during your procedure, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax so you can get the care you need.
How a Tooth Gets Infected or Abscessed
Your tooth consists of several layers, and the pulp chamber is the innermost part, located deep inside your tooth. If a cavity, crack in your tooth, or trauma allows bacteria to enter the pulp area, you develop an infection that’s often accompanied by severe tooth pain.
The only way to resolve the infection and relieve your pain is with root canal therapy. Prompt treatment is crucial, and waiting only prolongs your pain, puts your oral health in jeopardy, and may make tooth removal our only option to relieve it.
Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection
There are several symptoms of an infected or abscessed tooth to look for:
- Severe toothache that worsens over time
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature
- A whitish raised bump on your gums
- Puffy, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Facial swelling
- A terrible taste or odor in your mouth
If you experience any of the above symptoms, please call our Clayton dental office right away.
What to Expect with a Root Canal in Clayton, NC
We begin by numbing the infected tooth, which will immediately resolve the excruciating pain you've been experiencing and allow us to provide a comfortable, pain-free procedure.
During the next step, we clear the diseased tissue from your tooth using specialized technology that makes your procedure efficient and does a thorough job of removing every trace of infection. Next, we fill the hollowed-out area to stabilize the tooth and place a temporary filling on the tooth to protect it as it heals.
It’s common to experience soreness in the days following your procedure, but taking OTC pain relievers is usually enough to relieve any discomfort.
We will schedule you for a return appointment in two weeks to remove the temporary and replace it with a durable dental crown or tooth filling.
Please Call Us So We Can Help You
If you have a toothache and think you may need an emergency root canal, please call our Clayton, NC dental office. We don't want you to be in pain a moment longer than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
The innermost layer of a tooth contains a complex network of blood vessels and nerve endings known as tooth pulp. If the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can no longer provide nutrients for healthy teeth. A root canal is necessary for removing damaged tissue and restoring the tooth.
Dentists typically perform root canals when an infection develops in the tooth's pulp. The infection may be caused by decay, injury, or other conditions. During the procedure, the dentist removes the damaged tissue and cleans and seals the inside of the tooth.
What happens during a root canal?
We begin by numbing the infected tooth, which will immediately relieve the excruciating pain you've been experiencing and allow us to perform a comfortable, pain-free procedure.
The next step is to thoroughly clean and disinfect your tooth with specialized technology. The hollowed-out section of the tooth is then filled to stabilize it, and a temporary filling is placed to protect it while it heals. It is natural to experience soreness in the days following your procedure, but over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to alleviate any discomfort.
Finally, we will schedule a dental visit in two weeks to remove the temporary and replace it with a durable dental crown or filling.
Please Call Us So We Can Help
Please call our Clayton, NC dental office if you have a toothache and think you may need an emergency root canal. The last thing we want is for you to be in pain for a moment longer than you need to be!
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Kate Dolin
Dr. Kate Dolin is a West Virginia native who attended West Virginia University and received a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 2011. After graduating, she subsequently worked as a hygienist in Washington, DC before returning to WVU to pursue her dream of obtaining a dental degree. Dr. Dolin loves the time she spends with her patients, and outside of dentistry, she is an avid reader, practices yoga regularly, loves baking and spending time with their two pups Etch and Bond.
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Rotary Endodontics
When you have a root canal infection, your dentist treats it by removing the diseased tissue from deep inside your tooth. The traditional method involves a slow, methodical approach using manual instruments.
At Clayton Smiles, we use rotary endodontic technology. This state-of-the-art equipment minimizes uncomfortable sensations and dramatically improves our efficiency and comfort. Because rotary endodontics allows us to be more precise, it also helps ensure positive long-term outcomes.